In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with microbiologist and Columbia University Professor Emeritus Dr. Dickson Despommier to discuss his pioneering work and thought leadership on vertical farming. Beginning as a thought experiment for his students in 1999, Dr. Despommier quickly recognized the impact that vertical farming could have in revolutionizing our food systems and mitigating climate change. Since then he has been a tireless advocate for this sustainable food practice, and has helped throw the doors open on the viability of vertical farms. Join us for a conversation on food, sustainability, and how a microbiologist came to re-envision the future of agriculture and the power of the built environment to do so.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with architect and visionary Ken Yeang to discuss the the practice of ecological design and how it can and must be used to enhance global resilience and combat climate change. Ken has been a pioneer of ecological design and hyper-green architectural design practice, believing in the imperative to design with nature from the ground up. Join us for a conversation on the power of natural systems, the growth of ecological design, and hear about many of the stunning and verdant projects Ken has had a hand in over the course of his illustrious career.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with designer and consultant Bill Browning to discuss the science and practice of biophilic design and how it can influence and affect our interaction with the world around us. Human beings have a strong affinity for the natural world, which green infrastructure and nature based design practices can be a powerful and cost effective mechanism to enhance our constructed spaces and quality of life. Join us for a conversation on the powerful impacts natural systems can have on our brain chemistry and psychology and the implications that has for how we consider and design our spaces.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with educator and researcher Dr. Olyssa Starry Ph.D. to discuss the part water plays in urban ecology and the physical chemistry of plants and how this can affect the achievement of sustainability goals. Water is crucial to living systems like green roofs and other forms of green infrastructure, and managing how much and when can have a number of implications on what benefits are enjoyed. Join us for a conversation on the science of water and plants and how we can establish hearty and thriving urban ecosystems through systems integration.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with artist, designer, and thought leader Herbert Dreiseitl to discuss the critical role of water in natural ecosystems, and what lessons can be learned and applied to our urban environments. To cope with climate change, cities need to better use their natural infrastructure assets to manage and treat water before it becomes a problem to the community. Join us for a conversation on resilient, regenerative design, and how best cities can incorporate water into planning to ensure that it is protected and viewed as a resource rather than an obstacle.

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with Assistant Professor Scott Macivor of the University of Toronto to discuss the critical role of insects in the natural world, how climate change affects insect communities and populations, and the ways in which green roofs and green infrastructure can support and enhance those communities in our urban environments. Join us for a conversation on biodiversity and its role in our society, how insects support and influence the natural environment, and how we can develop comprehensive ecosystems.

This episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with noted ecologist Dusty Gedge, president of the European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations, to discuss fostering biodiversity through urban naturalization, developments in bio-solar technologies, and his background as a lifelong birder. Join us for a conversation on his life as a passionate bird watcher, his career advocating for biodiverse green infrastructure, and the imperative of addressing the climate crisis for future generations.

This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by Nicole Austin, Black Student Engagement Coordinator, and Arlene Throness, Urban Farm Manager, to discuss their work with the urban rooftop farms at Toronto Metropolitan University. Their efforts through the two rooftop farms strive to support the health and well-being of the community and surrounding ecosystem by using practices that are ecologically, socially and financially just. Join us for a conversation on food security, equity, and resilience in the heart of the city of Toronto with these two leaders.

This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by Dr. Mike Dixon, PhD to discuss his futuristic work in developing a biological life support system based on plants for the International Space program through the Space and Advanced Life Support Agriculture (SALSA) program at the University of Guelph. Join us for a conversation on his vision for the future of sustainability, long term interstellar habitation, and opportunities for his work to improve the lives of people on Earth.

This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by green roof luminary Ed Snodgrass to discuss his pioneering work in sustainable farming practices, his leadership in the green roof industry, and his contributions to our understanding of native planting practices. Over his years of work in farming, green roof plants, and sustainable development he has educated, led, and committed himself to learning about how to help improve the planet through plants and living systems.

Food security is one of the most pressing issues our communities face. Accessing fresh, healthy, affordable food can be a challenge for many families and food miles can be a tremendous contributor to net emissions. This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by Ben Flanner to discuss the business of urban agriculture, how the Brooklyn Grange weathered the pandemic, and how a rooftop urban food revolution can help improve our communities and the people who live there.

Water is one of the most important resources to human life, and it is one of the biggest challenges for modern communities to manage, often times representing the physical manifestation of climate change. This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by Howard Neukrug to discuss the management of water in the city of Philadelphia, how it can be addressed through green infrastructure, and how to ensure it remains sustainable into the future.

Rooftop agrivoltaics, the integration of photovoltaics and rooftop agriculture, can increase resilience in urban food systems, expand renewable energy production, and decrease water consumption. This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by Dr. Jennifer Bousselot to explore the burgeoning field of rooftop agrivoltaics to enhance food security, improve clean energy pathways, and explore sustainability integrations.

2022 has seen unprecedented heat waves across the globe, threatening infrastructure systems, sparking continent-wide wildfires, and disrupting food systems with thousands dying due to heat-related causes. This episode, Sustainable Futures is joined by Dr. Brad Bass to explore one of the most direct manifestations of climate change, the urban heat island - what it is, how it works, and what can be done about it.